A Mansoura appeal court acquitted on Sunday three people of charges of illegal protesting in April against the government’s deal with Saudi Arabia regarding two Red Sea islands, Al-Ahram Arabic website reported.

The three men were arrested in the Nile Delta city on 25 April and were tried in front of the special circuit of the Mansoura Misdemeanour Court.

The Egyptian government’s decision in early April to hand over the islands of Tiran and Sanafir to Saudi Arabia sparked widespread public outcry and a number of protests.

Dozens of protesters stood trial for demonstrating without permits. Most have been released from jail after paying hefty fines.

The maritime deal is currently being challenged in Egypt’s Administrative Court, with the government appealing a verdict that annulled the deal in June. The next hearing in the case is set for 7 November.